The Senior Project Engineer will report to Engineering Manager and is responsible for leading the execution of approved capital projects at the Champaign, IL site. This role manages multiple complex projects simultaneously and is accountable for delivering assets safely, on time, within budget, and in alignment with technical, operational, and quality requirements. The role partners closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to drive projects from planning and design through installation, commissioning, startup, and closeout.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership and Execution
- Lead multiple approved capital projects simultaneously, including large and complex manufacturing projects
- Develop and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, and execution plans
- Drive project execution from approved design through installation, commissioning, startup, and final handoff
- Monitor project performance and resolve barriers that impact safety, quality, cost, or timing
- Ensure project deliverables are completed with strong execution discipline and clear accountability
Engineering and Technical Delivery
- Lead preliminary and final design engineering activities for capital projects
- Oversee technical specifications, equipment selection, contractor coordination, and installation planning
- Provide on-site engineering support during construction, installation, testing, and startup
- Ensure assets are implemented in accordance with engineering, safety, quality, and operational standards
- Support troubleshooting and technical problem-solving during project execution
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with operations, maintenance, quality, safety, finance, procurement, and plant leadership to support project success
- Lead cross-functional communication, stakeholder alignment, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle
- Establish and maintain project governance routines, status reporting, and escalation processes
- Coordinate project dependencies to ensure efficient implementation and readiness for startup
Risk, Controls, and Reporting
- Develop and maintain project estimates, forecasts, schedules, and status reporting
- Identify project risks and lead mitigation planning to protect project delivery
- Track project costs, timelines, and implementation progress against approved plans
- Ensure project documentation, reporting, and closeout activities are complete and accurate
Startup and Handoff
- Support trial runs, commissioning, startup readiness, and early operational stabilization
- Ensure action items and final action items are completed prior to project closeout
- Partner with plant teams to transition assets into operation successfully
- Capture lessons learned and applied them to future project execution
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering required
- 3+ years of engineering and capital project experience in manufacturing, industrial, or consumer packaged goods environments
- Demonstrated experience leading multiple capital projects simultaneously
- Experience in project planning, design engineering, construction support, installation, commissioning, and startup
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project leadership skills
- Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams in a plant environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in food and beverage or consumer packaged goods manufacturing
- Experience supporting large-scale capital projects in an operating plant environment
- Experience with project governance, risk management, and reporting routines
- PMP or similar project management certification preferred
Key Competencies
- Capital project execution
- Engineering leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Project planning and controls
- Risk management
- Communication and stakeholder management
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Startup and commissioning discipline
Working Conditions
- Frequent plant-floor presence required during active project phases
- Travel may be required on a limited basis to support project execution, vendors, or related site activity
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Success Measures
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Safe and effective delivery of approved capital projects
- Achievement of project scope, schedule, and budget commitments
- Strong startup readiness and asset handoff execution
- Effective cross-functional leadership and stakeholder alignment
- Consistent project reporting, governance, and execution discipline
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Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00 Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Champaign Plant
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Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance. 